FORSYTH, Ga. – In fiscal year 2016 (July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016), 4,257 incarcerated men and women completed a vocational or OJT program. There was a total of 2,382 On the Job training (OJT) and 1,875 vocational certificates awarded.

“When someone has a marketable skill, their chance of returning to prison drops significantly,” said Commissioner Bryson. “These men and women are now best prepared to reenter society and gain employment with companies such as Bluebird Corporation, one of many organizations who have partnered with the agency to hire formerly incarcerated individuals.”

Inmate Services seeks to reduce recidivism by providing offenders with career, technical, and postsecondary education in partnership with the Technical College System of Georgia, the University System of Georgia, and many more local area organizations and agencies.

The Department’s vocational programs are wide ranging and include certificates in Auto Body Repair, Barbering, Beekeeping, Braille, Commercial Driver’s License, Computer Repair, Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, Design and Media Production, Electrical Wiring, Horticulture, Welding, Woodworking, and more. With On the Job Training, offenders are able to earn their technical certificate while employed on a work assignment.

Per Rand Corporation study (2014), "How Effective Is Correctional Education, and Where do We Go From Here," it is reported that for every dollar invested in correctional vocation programs, there is an estimated savings of 12 dollars.

GDC constantly seeks to improve and expand the programs offered. Some of the new programs for fiscal year 2017 include ServSafe Food Handler, Recycling, Composting and Urban Gardening, Advanced Welding, and Film Industry Support/Production Assistant.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit gdc.ga.gov.